Throw the Baby Out

Tuesday Musings Vol. 2 | No. 30

Oct 08, 2024

If you've been in a creative review with me (especially recently), you've heard me say: "Be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater."

Usually I say this while trying to get an editor to make a client-directed change without going TOO FAR, without losing what made the piece great in the first place. I preach this line a lot — always check in with your gut to see if what you're creating still has that magic that it did when you first put it down.

But like many creative approaches, this good advice can also backfire. Sometime holding on to what's working, what is good (even if it's the ONLY part that's good), is exactly what is holding you back.

Sometimes you have to throw the baby out. Bye-bye, baby!

We often rush to the finish line, especially in commercial art, where deadlines are very real. When you're stuck — even if you don't think you have the time — don't be afraid to start over. You might end up with a better baby.

love

jpp

Cool Stuff

I’m excited to share that the line art for the third and final book in the Cottons series — Cottons: The Curse of the Vales — is complete. Book production has begun, and now Heidi just has to finish the color. I’ll announce a release date when we have one in the books, but it’s coming, friends. It’s coming. Here’s page 1!